Like the tittle says. My daughter asked for a Betta and I got her one without giving it much thinking. The whole begginer's setup… small tank, colored pebbles and fake plants.
I got a Tap water conditioner (API Brand) filled the tank with filtered tap water placed the bag in the tak to match the water temperatures and then transfered him. He (or she) seems to be doing fine, is eating fine, is very active and everythin was fine so far.
2 weeks ini decided to do a water change, replaced 25% of the tank with fresh filtered tap water (with the conditioner) and tough he deserved a bigger tank. I decided to read online and found out I did everything Wrong!! Our little buddy (Corazoncito) deserves better and I want to make it right for him.
I already ordered a bigger 5 Gallon tank and read about prepping the water, but it seems to be a long process that bings the question: What Can I do to improve his conditions right now? I read prepping the water can take weeks so if I can do something for him now, I would appreciate your advice.
Images of how he looks right now. Lightning is not the best.
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1t3z606
Posted by solracarevir
7 Comments
You can also do an in fish cycle, same process but more water changes. I’d just recommend picking up prime to avoid ammonia and nitrite poisoning. It nullifies them for 48hrs.
Edit* I was also you a year ago, my daughter was given a betta in a tiny fishbowl with no heater or filter.
He’s gorgeous. Use most of the water from the tank he is in right now that will help get the new tank started.
Start putting in live plants, that will help prevent those spikes and keep ammonia/ nitrate/ nitrite in check. But be mindful the readings will be Zero across the board, which is perfectly fine. Thats because the plants are consuming all those things, which is another reason why having live plants is a MAJOR plus besides for the fish’s psyche. Do that and also use Seacham Prime, and youre good. Afterwards just have to change 1-2 gallons every 1-2 weeks to deal with the ph when and if hits 8ph.
Fish in cycle like other have said can be done. Daily 40%ish water changed will need to be done. Good substrate if you wanted a full planted tank, heater, root tabs for plants the need it, liquid fert of other plants that need that, a liquid master test kit like the API one, sponge filter or a hand on the back filter that you can adjust the flow.
Firstly props for realizing early before something goes wrong secondly two tricks to help you with the transfer is to transfer over your filter and other tank materials to the new tank (run your old and new filter in parallel for a bit the bacteria from the old will help establish for the new) also as everyone says live plants
Fill his current tank all the way to the top if it’s not already, get some floating plants (they love them), take out the fake plant, give him some real ones. I wouldn’t move him before the new tank is cycled. It’s more difficult than a no fish cycle and he looks stable enough for now. Better to keep him stable and move him when the new tank is fully ready. Stability is the best thing for him while you prepare the upgrade.
It looks like he already built himself a bubble nest in the little tank so he is happy and hopefully he will be happier in his new bigger tank.